Friday, November 8, 2013

Jesus’ Resurrection Brings Sweet Consolation

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. (1 Thess 4:13-14)

[Paul] proposes instruction on the resurrection to console those upset about the dead. He does not completely oppose grieving, but rules out an excessive degree, and consoles them with hope in the resurrection. Those without it have an excuse for uncontrolled grief. This is the reason he did not say, “about the dead,” but “about those who have fallen asleep,” bringing consolation through the use of this term. Then he offers a proof of the resurrection from what they had heard of the teaching of Christ the Lord. If the resurrection of Christ seems to us worthy of belief, let us believe that we also will attain resurrection. It was for our sake the the mystery of the incarnation was arranged.